Climate of care

There is no end in sight to the mainline denominations’ debates over whether gays and lesbians will be fully integrated into the life and leadership of their churches. While that debate is important, so too is the need for congregations to meet the immediate pastoral needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, as well as people who are questioning their sexual orientation. “Care involves structured and intentional organization in response to specific educational, relational, and existential needs,” says Larry Kent Graham (Discovering Images of God: Narratives of Care Among Lesbians and Gays). A ministry of inclusion and affirmation involves providing an intentional welcome to the gifts that LGBT people bring to the faith community.